El Paso, TX, Municipal Code

Updated November 2019

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https://www.municode.com/library/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances
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Table of Contents

Active Transportation

This city’s zoning code regulates when bicycle parking is required, how many spaces are needed, and design standards (§20.14.090, et seq.). The parking minimums by use are included in the tables for automobile parking minimums.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The code of ordinances outlines standards for several green infrastructure tactics and highlights requirements for the use of low-impact development (LID) in infill development. It provides “natural drainage standards” for tactics including green roofs, planter boxes, green walls, cisterns, and landscaping for native plants (§21.50.130). The code of ordinances includes the use of low-impact development (LID) tactics as a selective design requirement for infill development projects (§20.10.280.C.2.viii).

Outdoor Lighting

The city’s building and construction title includes a chapter that addresses outdoor lighting (§18.18.010 et seq.). The outdoor lighting code sets a goal of eliminating situations of overlighting, glare, light clutter, sky glow, energy waste, and related negative impacts, and is applicable to all new lighting installations. The code includes a section of definitions, and then offers shielding and total outdoor light output standards for three lighting classes in four lighting zones. It establishes effective shielding and light trespass standards. The code also provides specific standards for signs (including light curfews) and special uses such as recreational facilities, outdoor display lots, service station canopies, and other special uses. The code describes requirements for lighting permit and plan requirements, and lists prohibitions and exemptions.

solar Energy

The city's zoning code includes a number of solar energy-related terms including passive solar energy system (§20.02.692), solar conversion system (§20.02.1006), solar energy (§20.02.1008), solar energy collector (§20.02.1010), and solar energy conversion system (§20.02.1012).

It provides for solar licenses for solar energy systems that supply 10% or more of a building's total energy requirements; no building may be erected that would shade the licensed system (§20.12.030.A).

The zoning code also permits solar energy conversion systems as accessory uses in any district with a building permit and compliance with standards limiting height, encroachments (§20.10.200.A; Appendix A, 17.08).


El Paso, TX

2010 Population: 649,121

2010 Population Density: 2,543.23/square mile